The shape of the seafloor and sub-seafloor stratigraphic horizons preserve a wealth of information, reflecting the time-integrated effects of tectonic, sedimentary and volcanic processes. Many such processes are hazards to coastal populations and offshore installations, and they constitute key objectives of national research programmes and IODP expeditions. High quality bathymetry, especially when combined with sub-seafloor and/or seabed measurements, provides an exciting opportunity to integrate the approaches of geomorphology and geophysics and to extend quantitative geomorphology offshore. 3D seismic data has also given birth to the discipline of seismic geomorphology, which has provided a 4D perspective to geologic processes in continental margins.

This interdisciplinary session aims to examine the causes and consequences of geomorphic and tectonic processes shaping underwater landscapes, including submarine erosion and depositional processes, submarine landslides, sediment transfer and deformation, volcanic activity, fluid migration and escape, faulting and folding, and other processes acting at the seafloor.

The general goal of the session is to bring together researchers who characterise the shape of past and present seafloor features, seek to understand the sub-surface and surface processes at work and their impacts, or use bathymetry and/or 3D seismic data as a model input. Contributions to this session can include work from any depth or physiographic region, e.g. oceanic plateaus, abyssal hills, mid-ocean ridges, accretionary wedges, and continental margins (from abyss plains to continental shelves). Datasets of any scale, from satellite-predicted depth to ultra high-resolution swath bathymetry, sub-surface imaging and sampling are anticipated.

This session is organised by the IAG Submarine Geomorphology Working Group.